Methods of inhibiting viral replication

ABSTRACT

A method of inhibiting viral replication comprising administering to a human in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R 1  and R 3  are independently hydrogen, --CH 3 , ##STR2## wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidine, hexamethyleneamino, and piperidino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of solvate thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two recent papers indicate that a triphenylethylene antiestrogen, tamoxifen, is an inhibitor of retroviral replication (Laurence et al., Blood, 75(3) Feb. 1, 1990; Chailleux et al., Mol. Pharma., 44, 324-327 1993). They suggest that this effect is not mediated by estrogen receptor (ER), but rather by other protein(s) referred to as antiestrogen binding site(s) (ABS) found in microsomes. This was determined using a retrovirus, not containing an estrogen response element (ERE) in its long terminal repeat, to infect an estrogen receptor (ER) negative cell line. This suggests that tamoxifen inhibits retroviral replication through an ER-independent pathway involving ABS. Moreover, ABS-specific ligands which do not bind ER diphenylmethane comounds) were found to have similar effects as tamoxifen. The inhibitory effects were not thought to be due to inactivation of reverse transcriptase (RT) activity since the activity of commercial RT was unaffected by tamoxifen. Raloxifene is a benzothiophene compound which binds ER as well as the ABS. Using purified recombinant estrogen receptor binding domain, all antiestrogens (tamoxifen, ICI 164,384) as well as 17-B-estradiol, competed raloxifene binding. Conversely, all antiestrogens competed 17-B-estradiol binding to purified ER. Binding to ABS, however, was different. Tamoxifen was an excellent competitor of raloxifene binding to whole cell lysates (aka ABS) prepared from breast MCF-7 cells. Conversely, raloxifene only partially inhibited tamoxifen binding to ABS using whole cell MCF-7 lysates. This suggests that raloxifene bound to a subset of tamoxifen binding proteins (aka ABS). In contrast, the "pure" antiestrogen ICI 164,384, as well as 17-B-estradiol itself, did not inhibit raloxifene binding to whole cell MCF-7 Lysates, and consequently, do not bind to the ABS. Interestingly, the authors of the tamoxifen study found that ICI 164,384 had no effect on viral replication. Thus, compounds which bind ABS, like raloxifene and its analogs, might be effective at inhibiting viral replication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides methods of inhibiting viral replication comprising administering to a human in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula I ##STR3## wherein R¹ and R³ are independently hydrogen, --CH₃, ##STR4## wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl;

R² is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidino, hexamethyleneimino, and piperidino; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current invention concerns the discovery that a select group of 2-phenyl-3-aroylbenzothiophenes (benzothiophenes), those of formula I, are useful for inhibiting viral replication. In particular, the compounds may be used to inhibit retroviruses and retroviral based diseases, including those caused by RNA tumor viruses and retroviruses.

The therapeutic and prophylactic treatments provided by this invention are practiced by administering to a human in need thereof a dose of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, that is effective to inhibit viral replication.

The term "inhibit" includes its generally accepted meaning which includes prohibiting, preventing, restraining, and slowing, stopping or reversing progression, severity or a resultant symptom. As such, the present method includes both medical therapeutic, both acute and chronic, and/or prophylactic administration, as appropriate.

Raloxifene is a preferred compound of this invention and it is the hydrochloride salt of a compound of formula 1 wherein R¹ and R³ are hydrogen and R² is 1-piperidinyl.

Generally, at least one compound of formula I is formulated with common excipients, diluents or carriers, and compressed into tablets, or formulated as elixirs or solutions for convenient oral administration, or administered by the intramuscular or intravenous routes. The compounds can be administered transdermally, and may be formulated as sustained release dosage forms and the like.

The compounds used in the methods of the current invention can be made according to established procedures, such as those detailed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,133,814, 4,418,068, and 4,380,635 all of which are incorporated by reference herein. In general, the process starts with a benzo[b]thiophene having a 6-hydroxyl group and a 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) group. The starting compound is protected, acylated, and deprotected to form the formula I compounds. Examples of the preparation of such compounds are provided in the U.S. patents discussed above. The term "optionally substituted phenyl" includes phenyl and phenyl substituted once or twice with C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, chloro, fluoro, or tri(chloro or fluoro)methyl.

The compounds used in the methods of this invention form pharmaceutically acceptable acid and base addition salts with a wide variety of organic and inorganic acids and bases and include the physiologically acceptable salts which are often used in pharmaceutical chemistry. Such salts are also part of this invention. Typical inorganic acids used to form such salts include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, hypophosphoric and the like. Salts derived from organic acids, such as aliphatic mono and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoic and hydroxyalkandioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids, may also be used. Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts thus include acetate, phenylacetate, trifluoroacetate, acrylate, ascorbate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, hydroxybenzoate, methoxybenzoate, methylbenzoate, o-acetoxybenzoate, naphthalene-2-benzoate, bromide, isobutyrate, phenylbutyrate, β-hydroxybutyrate, butyne-1,4-dioate, hexyne-1,4-dioate, caprate, caprylate, chloride, cinnamate, citrate, formate, fumarate, glycollate, heptanoate, hippurate, lactate, malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate, malonate, mandelate, mesylate, nicotinate, isonicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, phthalate, teraphthalate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, propiolate, propionate, phenylpropionate, salicylate, sebacate, succinate, suberate, sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, sulfonate, benzene-sulfonate, p-bromophenylsulfonate, chlorobenzenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, naphthalene-1-sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, xylenesulfonate, tartarate, and the like. A preferred salt is the hydrochloride salt.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are typically formed by reacting a compound of formula I with an equimolar or excess amount of acid. The reactants are generally combined in a mutual solvent such as diethyl ether or benzene. The salt normally precipitates out of solution within about one hour to 10 days and can be isolated by filtration or the solvent can be stripped off by conventional means.

Bases commonly used for formation of salts include ammonium hydroxide and alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, carbonates, as well as aliphatic and primary, secondary and tertiary amines, aliphatic diamines. Bases especially useful in the preparation of addition salts include ammonium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, methylamine, diethylamine, ethylene diamine and cyclohexylamine.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts generally have enhanced solubility characteristics compared to the compound from which they are derived, and thus are often more amenable to formulation as liquids or emulsions.

Pharmaceutical formulations can be prepared by procedures known in the art. For example, the compounds can be formulated with common excipients, diluents, or carriers, and formed into tablets, capsules, suspensions, powders, and the like. Examples of excipients, diluents, and carriers that are suitable for such formulations include the following: fillers and extenders such as starch, sugars, mannitol, and silicic derivatives; binding agents such as carboxymethyl cellulose and other cellulose derivatives, alginates, gelatin, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone; moisturizing agents such as glycerol; disintegrating agents such as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; agents for retarding dissolution such as paraffin; resorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds; surface active agents such as cetyl alcohol, glycerol monostearate; adsorptive carriers such as kaolin and bentonite; and lubricants such as talc, calcium and magnesium stearate, and solid polyethyl glycols.

The compounds can also be formulated as elixirs or solutions for convenient oral administration or as solutions appropriate for parenteral administration, for instance by intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous routes. Additionally, the compounds are well suited to formulation as sustained release dosage forms and the like. The formulations can be so constituted that they release the active ingredient only or preferably in a particular part of the intestinal tract, possibly over a period of time. The coatings, envelopes, and protective matrices may be made, for example, from polymeric substances or waxes.

The particular dosage of a compound of formula I required to inhibit vital replication according to this invention will depend upon the severity of the condition, the route of administration, and related factors that will be decided by the attending physician. Generally, accepted and effective daily doses will be from about 0.1 to about 1000 mg/day, and more typically from about 50 to about 200 mg/day. Such dosages will be administered to a subject in need thereof from once to about three times each day, or more often as needed, and for as long as needed, to effectively inhibit viral replication.

It is usually preferred to administer a compound of formula I in the form of an acid addition salt, as is customary in the administration of pharmaceuticals bearing a basic group, such as the piperidino ring. For such purposes the following oral dosage forms are available.

FORMULATIONS

In the formulations which follow, "Active ingredient" means a compound of formula I.

Formulation 1: Gelatin Capsules

Hard gelatin capsules are prepared using the following:

    ______________________________________     Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)     ______________________________________     Active ingredient 0.1-1000     Starch, NF        0-650     Starch flowable powder                       0-650     Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                       0-15     ______________________________________

The ingredients are blended, passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve, and filled into hard gelatin capsules.

Examples of specific capsule formulations of raloxifene that have been made include those shown below:

Formulation 2: Raloxifene capsule

    ______________________________________     Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)     ______________________________________     Raloxifene        1     Starch, NF        112     Starch flowable powder                       225.3     Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                       1.7     ______________________________________

Formulation 3: Raloxifene capsule

    ______________________________________     Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)     ______________________________________     Raloxifene        5     Starch, NF        108     Starch flowable powder                       225.3     Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                       1.7     ______________________________________

Formulation 4: Raloxifene capsule

    ______________________________________     Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)     ______________________________________     Raloxifene        10     Starch, NF        103     Starch flowable powder                       225.3     Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                       1.7     ______________________________________

Formulation 5: Raloxifene capsule

    ______________________________________     Ingredient        Quantity (mg/capsule)     ______________________________________     Raloxifene         50     Starch, NF        150     Starch flowable powder                       397     Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                          3.0     ______________________________________

The specific formulations above may be changed in compliance with the reasonable variations provided.

A tablet formulation is prepared using the ingredients below:

Formulation 6: Tablets

    ______________________________________     Ingredient       Quantity (mg/tablet)     ______________________________________     Active ingredient                      0.1-1000     Cellulose, microcrystalline                      0-650     Silicon dioxide, fumed                      0-650     Stearate acid    0-15     ______________________________________

The components are blended and compressed to form tablets.

Alternatively, tablets each containing 0.1-1000 mg of Active ingredient are made up as follows:

Formulation 7: Tablets

    ______________________________________     Ingredient          Quantity (mg/tablet)     ______________________________________     Active ingredient   0.1-1000     Starch              45     Cellulose, microcrystalline                         35     Polyvinylpyrrolidone                         4     (as 10% solution in water)     Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose                           4.5     Magnesium stearate    0.5     Talc                1     ______________________________________

The Active ingredient, starch, and cellulose are passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders which are then passed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced are dried at 50°-60° C. and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed through a No. 60 U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tablets.

Suspensions each containing 0.1-1000 mg of Active ingredient per 5 mL dose are made as follows:

Formulation 8: Suspensions

    ______________________________________     Ingredient           Quantity (mg/5 ml)     ______________________________________     Active ingredient    0.1-1000 mg     Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose                          50       mg     Syrup                1.25     mg     Benzoic acid solution                          0.10     mL     Flavor               q.v.     Color                q.v.     Purified water to    5        mL     ______________________________________

The Active ingredient is passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed with the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup to form a smooth paste. The benzoic acid solution, flavor, and color are diluted with some of the water and added, with stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the required volume.

ASSAYS

Assay 1

Estrogen receptor (ER) negative cell lines expressing antiestrogen binding sites (ABS) are infected with retrovirus, i.e. Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (M--MuLV), and maintained in vitro using standard tissue culture techniques. Cells in logarithmic growth phase are plated in tissue culture dishes at not less than 5,000 cells/cm2 and cultured overnight. Medium is then replaced with fresh medium containing varying dilutions of drugs and incubated for various lengths of time thereafter, typically 24 to 72 hours. Effects on virion production and reverse transcriptase activity are then determined. Virion production is quantitated in the viral medium by immunodetection of a viral coat protein associated with the retrovirus used. This can be done by standard ELISA, RIA or Western immunoblotting techniques. Reverse transcriptase activity can be quantitated using commercially available kits and following the manufacturers protocol. [When choosing an appropriate retrovirus for cell infection, one should be aware of potential estrogen response elements in the retrovirus. These could serve as target sites for interactions with drug/ER complexes resulting in negative regulation of viral replication and complicating interpretations as to whether drugs are inhibiting viral replication through ER or ABS.] General antiviral activity can also be determined by quantitating the ability of drugs to inhibit cell death due to infection with a cytopathic virus. Cell viability is assessed by reduction of the tetrazolium salt, MTT, to a dark blue formazan product which is measured in an absorbance plate reader.

Assay 2

Five to fifty patients are selected for the clinical study. The patients suffer from a viral disease which exhibits symptoms, but otherwise are in good general health. Because of the idiosyncratic and subjective nature of these disorders, the study has a placebo control group, i.e., the patients are divided into two groups, one of which receives a compound of formula 1 as the active agent and the other receives a placebo. Patients in the test group receive between 50-200 mg of the drug per day by the oral route. They continue this therapy for 2 TO 6 weeks. Accurate records are kept as to the number and severity of the symptoms in both groups and at the end of the study these results are compared. The results are compared both between members of each group and also the results for each patient are compared to the symptoms reported by each patient before the study began.

Utility of the compounds of formula I is illustrated by the positive impact they have in at least one of the assays described above. 

We claim:
 1. A method of inhibiting viral replication comprising administering to a human in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having the formula ##STR5## wherein R¹ and R³ are independently hydrogen, --CH₃, ##STR6## wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidine, hexamethylenemino, and piperidino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of solvate thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound is the hydrochloride salt thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound is ##STR7## or its hydrochloride salt.
 4. The method of claim 1 where viral replication being inhibited is retroviral replication. 